Today we recognize that
the first line of defense against the often serious symptoms of menopause is
a healthy diet.You'll want to
follow the guidelines of healthy eating now more than ever.This is easy enough to do.You
probably want to make changes in your diet slowly.You want these to be the beginnings of a new way of eating, not just
a temporary alteration.

Start with putting more
fruits into your daily diet.Especially
choose fruits like melons and bananas.Also add more citrus fruit to your daily choices.Oranges and lemons are especially high in potassium and that's a
mineral menopausal women can use.Potassium-rich
foods help to balance the sodium content and water retention abilities of
the body.You'll also want to
increase the amount of vegetables you eat daily.Choose dark, leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, collard greens,
broccoli and cabbage.If
available, pak choi is also a great choice.

Now's a great time to
slowly introduce soy-based foods into your daily menus.There are plenty of choices out there starting with soy milk, yogurt
and naturally tofu.

Don't forget the fiber!And when you reach for the fiber, try to reach for the soluble kind.While you're adding the good foods to your diet, it's also a
great time to just junk the junk foods, too.Stay away, as much as possible, from the fried foods.Eat your meat broiled or bake.And
if you do fry or sauté your foods, do it in oils like extra virgin olive
oil or canola oil.

Your body is going
through many changes during this time. There may be some changes in your
life that you may never have had to deal with before.Some women experience their first weight gain during menopause.Others because of their lifestyle discover they are less active than
they've ever been before.This,
coupled with a decrease in metabolism can contribute to gaining anywhere
from five to 20 pounds – or more.And
that doesn't even take into account the added stress many women feel during
this time period.

How you handle this
stress is largely in your own hands. But you may find that menopause is more
easily handled if you discover an exercise routine and stick with it.Exercise helps your body deal with stress more effectively.It also combats a sagging metabolism rate.

Other great natural
treatments for menopause include acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.More than one woman has discovered that cultivating a flower garden
has helped her cope with the symptoms of menopause.Gardening is a mild form of exercise, and it gets you outside
communing with nature and beautiful flowers. Additionally, you have plenty
of time to contemplate – almost meditate – on your blessings!

You may also want to
seek the help of a professional herbalist if you're experiencing stubborn
menopausal symptoms.She can
recommend some effective herbs.Moreover,
she'll let you know the best forms in which to take them.Remember, even though herbs are natural, they may interfere with some
of the prescription medication you may be taking.Always consult your health care practitioner before taking any
dietary supplement.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.